Commentary by Siddha Yoga Meditation Teacher Achala Woollacott

The nuanced word steadfast has its origins in the Old English stedefæst, which consists of stede, translated as “place,” and fæst, translated as “firmly fixed.” It means firm in purpose or resolute, unwavering. So, to be steadfast is to be firmly fixed in place like a mountain or a deeply rooted tree. In yoga, this is the inner quality of being firm in purpose, resolution, and action.

Gurumayi Chidvilasananda speaks about the significance of steadfastness in her book My Lord Loves a Pure Heart:

Steadfastness, or perseverance, as it is sometimes called, is very highly valued in all walks of life. There can be no true happiness or joy without it, and no lasting attainment.¹

This is quite a surprising statement—that happiness and lasting attainment depend on steadfastness. And yet its truth is supported by our experience of learning most skills. For example, a child, may want to learn to play the violin and may begin her study with great enthusiasm. At times, however, she may find daily practice challenging, and she may be tempted to abandon her efforts. In the moment this may seem to be the easiest solution. But only if she perseveres in her practice will she achieve the true happiness of mastering this skill and attaining her goal. It is only through steadfastness in practice that she experiences the elation of playing a piece with both skill and artistry, achieving her intent as a musician. Thus steady, ongoing effort in any endeavor is a key to both happiness and attainment.

Gurumayi goes on to say:

In Sanskrit, the word for perseverance has several distinct definitions. One of them is dirgha prayatna, which means “prolonged endeavor.” Another one is sthairya, which has four very different meanings: firmness, patience, consistency, and steadfastness.²

These nuances of meaning that Gurumayi adds to our understanding of the virtue of steadfastness remind us that being steadfast implies being firm in our purpose, consistent in our efforts, and patient with ourselves as we steadily move toward our goal over a prolonged period of time. When we are steadfast, we do not allow ourselves to be deflected by the inner and outer challenges we meet along the way.

With regard to pursuing the goal of sadhana, to be steadfast implies that we fix our gaze firmly on the Guru’s teachings and are resolute both in performing our duties and in recognizing the Self within as we do. This level of perseverance in our attention supports us in recognizing our own pure awareness, our own pure love, which in turn gives us even more fulfillment in all that we do.

It may seem like it requires a herculean effort to stay firmly fixed on our intentions. This has not, however, been my own experience. The practice of steadfastness itself nurtures us, and leads us to moments of recognition of the deep bliss and contentment of the Heart. And this in turn gives us a motivation to dive more deeply into sadhana. A compelling way to visualize the quality of steadfastness is to see it as an unbreakable energetic cord of love and joy between our own heart and the great Heart of the Guru. It is this bond of love that keeps our focus firmly fixed on the path of the Heart.

Shri Bhagavad Gita also names steadfastness as a key attribute for attaining the ongoing awareness of the Heart, which is the purpose of yoga. Verse 7.18 states:

आस्थितः स हि युक्तात्मा मामेवानुत्तमां गतिम्॥

āsthitaḥ sa hi yuktātmā mām evānuttamāṁ gatim ॥

He whose mind is steadfast, abides in Me alone, the supreme goal.³

In this verse Lord Krishna reminds Arjuna that the fruit of being steadfast, of keeping one’s mind firmly fixed on one’s intention, is knowledge of the Self. He says that the person whose mind is steadfast in turning within to the awareness of the great Heart, finds this unparalleled goal and, finally, abides there.

Lord Krishna’s teaching gives us a key for reaching the goal of sadhana. By becoming indifferent to momentary setbacks, we rise above the challenges of life. Neither overly elated by success nor discouraged by failure, we take one step at a time and learn to relish each part of our journey. We come to see that each step contains a new opportunity to strengthen our ability to recognize the Self within. Gradually, this experience of recognition becomes more and more frequent, and eventually it becomes our ongoing state. We become absorbed in the bliss of the Self. We find, as Gurumayi says, that steadfastness in sadhana brings lasting attainment and true happiness.